O'Hare's remodeled international terminal racking up record sales
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 2,781
O'Hare's remodeled international terminal racking up record sales
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 21,530
I'm probably one of the only people that is annoyed that McDonald's is not airside with the rest of the restaurants. There are basically zero allergy-friendly/kid-friendly menu options.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,900
Typical Tribune reporting. It gives the worst first impression to INTL travelers...you couldn't even get a cup of coffee after passing security. Um, that would be the LAST impression as they leave.
#4
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: UA MM, AA PPro
Posts: 1,480
I'm not sure what the buzz is about... If there was no place to get coffee post-security before redevelopment - not much of an exaggeration - shouldn't adding 24 new upscale retail shops and restaurants and nearly doubling retail and dining space at the terminal to nearly 30,000 square feet increase sales by *more than 69%*?
Or am I missing something?
Or am I missing something?
Last edited by legalalien; May 16, 2015 at 3:26 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 848
Remember, the terminal was built prior to 9/11. The mindset of the city and yes back then was concessions were to be built pre-security. The airlines were hesitant to build post security and the concessionaires even more since departing passenger counts weren't that great.
1. Lou Mitchell's
2. Hot Dog joint
3. Pizza Uno
4. McDonalds
5. Parades
This is what the city had to offer up until 2 years ago when the lights came on that something needed to be done with the influx of new carriers into T5 and the outcome from the investment by Westfield is showing.
While there hasn't been much talk recently, there's another 3000 sqft. of concession/ lounge space that's being build out. With WS, AY and soon FI operating within T5, Westfield realizes there's additional demands for services/concessions. The hold rooms will be getting refreshed with new seating and total carpet replacement is currently taking place on the arrivals side.
There's a shift now in removing the static signs behind the checkin counters and replacing with monitors as the final phase of replacing the FIDS system starts.
There's ongoing discussions about adding domestic claims as more preclearance cities are added.
The once White Elephant of ORD is finally shedding that image.
1. Lou Mitchell's
2. Hot Dog joint
3. Pizza Uno
4. McDonalds
5. Parades
This is what the city had to offer up until 2 years ago when the lights came on that something needed to be done with the influx of new carriers into T5 and the outcome from the investment by Westfield is showing.
While there hasn't been much talk recently, there's another 3000 sqft. of concession/ lounge space that's being build out. With WS, AY and soon FI operating within T5, Westfield realizes there's additional demands for services/concessions. The hold rooms will be getting refreshed with new seating and total carpet replacement is currently taking place on the arrivals side.
There's a shift now in removing the static signs behind the checkin counters and replacing with monitors as the final phase of replacing the FIDS system starts.
There's ongoing discussions about adding domestic claims as more preclearance cities are added.
The once White Elephant of ORD is finally shedding that image.
#6
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: UA MM, AA PPro
Posts: 1,480
I'm glad to see T5 moving towards becoming a modern terminal. It was a disgrace before this renovation started, no doubt about it.
The article, however, makes it look like a runaway commercial success...and I'm not sure it is. It appears the gains in sales aren't anything out of the ordinary: if you add real retail and food outlets where none (of note) existed, you should expect a hefty bump in sales. I sure hope it will be a commercial success, but the jury is still out.
The article, however, makes it look like a runaway commercial success...and I'm not sure it is. It appears the gains in sales aren't anything out of the ordinary: if you add real retail and food outlets where none (of note) existed, you should expect a hefty bump in sales. I sure hope it will be a commercial success, but the jury is still out.